In 2024, the U.K. reported 13,479 store closures, an increase of 28% in a year, according to the Centre for Retail Research (CRR). These included Boots, Shoe Zone, Homebase and others. While 56% were due to insolvency, 44% were due to cost-cutting measures (rationalisation of a store base). Independent retailers (fewer than 5 stores) accounted for 84.1% of closures. This is 10 percentage points more than in 2023 (up by 45% year-on-year).
To remember: The outlook for 2025 is poor. The CRR...